Orthopedic fixation devices.

Synthetic biodegradable polymers as orthopedic devices.

Polymer scientists, working closely with those in the device and medical fields, have made tremendous advances over the past 30 years in the use of synthetic materials in the body. In this article we will focus on properties of biodegradable polymers which make them ideally suited for orthopedic applications where a permanent implant is not desired. The materials with the greatest history of us...

Adverse tissue reactions to bioabsorbable fixation devices.

Among 2528 patients operated on using pins, rods, bolts, and screws made of polyglycolic acid or polylactic acid, 108 (4.3%) were affected by a clinically significant local inflammatory, sterile tissue reaction. The three most common indications for the use of these fixation devices were a displaced malleolar fracture, a chevron osteotomy for hallux valgus, and a displaced fracture of the radia...

Laboratory evaluation of hip fracture fixation devices.

Mechanical Testing of Ligament Fixation Devices

The fixation of soft tissue grafts used in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL) is a determining factor for the long-term success of the ACL reconstruction. This article provides an overview of the mechanical test methods used in our laboratory and the biomechanics literature to compare methods of soft tissue fixation that are available to the practicing orthopaedic surgeon. The basi...

Orthopedic medical devices: ethical questions, implant recalls and responsibility.

The hip replacement is a surgical procedure to replace the femoral head and acetabulum with prosthetic implants to improve function, increase mobility, and relieve pain caused by damage from disorders such as osteoarthritis and fractures. In recent years, we have seen several recalls of poorly functioning implant systems, most recently, the Johnson and Johnson (J&J) Articular Surface Replacemen...